With other teams surging forward, nerves were beginning to appear for the Ottawa Senators. For a while seen as a nailed on playoff team, oddly thrust themselves into obscurity. Those fears were laid to rest Tuesday night.
The Ottawa Senators never make it easy for their fans. Games this season, under The System, have always gone to the wire. Constantly winning with the smallest margin, a single goal.
Still reeling from the overwhelming disappointment that was the weekend mini-series with Montreal, the Ottawa Senators needed a reaction. One point against the division leaders in two games whilst gifting them four was simply unacceptable. Everyone associated with the Hockey Club knows this. Having beaten Boston in both previous matches this season against two different coaches, the Sens had reason to be confident. Here’s our breakdown of the Sens crucial win last night.
Another Craig Anderson Headstand
Anderson put on yet another clinic as he silenced the TD Garden faithful with his outstanding efforts. With games so tight, it is often your goaltender than can decide the teams fortunes. Craig Anderson seems to be the Wheel Of Fortune currently, consistently landing on the right scores.
It’s impossible not to like this guy. Humble in his approach with the media, a family man and one heck of a goaltender.
Saving 34 of the 36 shots he faced in Boston last night, leaving him with a .944 save percentage. Yet again showing his underlying value to this team. For both goals that Ottawa conceded, the defence was to blame. Karlsson sloppy on the first and on the second, Krug had a clear skate on goal.
The save on Acciari’s backhand was the save of the night, denying the fourth-line winger with his glove, one on one.
An emergency stop right at the buzzer to prevent overtime.
Anderson is now 7-1-1 in his last nine starts with a 2.09 goals against average.
Right Place Right Time
Cody Ceci firing the puck off Tom Pyatt was a welcome sight for me. The Sens were bullied in front of the net against the Montreal Canadiens. They’ve clearly watched the tape back and learnt from it.
Ottawa’s second was testament to that. Kyle Turris firing from half-boards with Bobby Ryan screening perfectly, goal-side of his defenceman.
Turris would seal the deal with a wonderful tip on a shot 4:04 into the final frame. Leaving a nervy fifteen minute holdout for the Ottawa Senators.
To win games like this, positioning is key. It was excellent to see that the Sens learnt from their mistakes against Montreal and made up for them emphatically.
Final Thoughts
Whilst being heavily outshot (36-22) the Ottawa Senators deserved their victory last night. Battling hard, and implementing the system to perfection. It’s not about how many shots you can get off, it’s about how many you can get past the goaltender.
Next: A Look Back At The Woeful Weekend
Up Next
The Pittsburgh Penguins travel to the Canadian Tire Centre as this horrible stretch of fixtures continues. Now qualified for the post-season will the Pens take their foot off the gas? That game is tomorrow night at 7.30pm.
On Saturday, the Sens must make another journey to the Bell Centre to face the Montreal Canadiens. Revenge will most certainly be on the cards for the Senators, a win would draw Montreal within reach.